Plantations have completed this year's wine grape harvest

The company 13. Jul - Plantaže has completed this year's wine grape harvest, achieving a 30 percent higher yield compared to last year.

Director of Viticulture and Fruit Production Milena Peruničić points out that, in addition to higher yields, the grapes obtained were of good quality and health, which represents a solid foundation for the wines that will be produced from the 2025 harvest.

"Careful planning, the engagement of a larger number of seasonal workers and the dedicated work of our teams have resulted in a success that we are proud of and which confirms the stability and strength of our production. The wine grape harvest began on August 13th and this year took place within the standard timeframe, unlike last year, which was among the earliest in the company's history," Peruničić stated, according to Mediabiro.

She recalled that Ćemovsko polje is the largest vineyard in Europe in one complex, which makes the Plantaže harvest the largest winemaking operation on the continent.

"The organization of such a process is extremely complex and involves a large number of people, modern machinery and demanding logistics, and at the same time depends on weather conditions and other factors that are not under our control. Despite this, thanks to good preparation, this year's harvest was carried out within the planned deadlines. These results were preceded by a year-long work. All agrotechnical measures, starting from pruning, through green operations, to vineyard protection, were implemented in a timely, high-quality and full-scale manner, ensuring a healthy and stable harvest," said Peruničić.

However, he notes that the 2025 season was very demanding when it comes to climatic conditions.

"Especially during July and August, we had a pronounced period of drought accompanied by frequent winds and high temperatures, which created serious challenges for the vineyards. Thanks to timely response and careful management of the vineyards, the yield potential was preserved," adds Peruničić.

This year, Plantaže has continued to apply a combined harvesting model, as a standard and modern viticultural practice. Part of the vineyards are harvested mechanically, while older plantations and vineyards intended for the production of premium wines are harvested manually, in order to preserve maximum grape quality.

"Our colleagues, engineers in the vineyard, in cooperation with processing technologists, have carefully planned each phase of grape harvesting and reception, in order to preserve the natural potential of each variety. In this way, we are creating the prerequisites for the production of wines that will worthily represent Plantaže on the domestic and international markets. The results of this year's harvest confirm that Plantaže has a professional team, a clear strategy and a stable organization, ready to respond to numerous challenges. Yields higher by 30 percent and the quality of grapes with which we are satisfied show that our work is yielding results."

Good results were also achieved in the harvest of table fruit.

"The annual plan was exceeded, revenue growth was recorded and a higher average selling price was achieved compared to 2024. The table grape harvest began on July 17 and lasted until September 9. This year, the harvest was organized more efficiently, thanks to a larger number of engaged workers. During the most intensive days, up to 5.500 to 6.000 crates were harvested per day. The grapes were healthy, with large and juicy berries, uniform color and excellent taste," said Peruničić.

When it comes to peaches and nectarines, the season has been challenging due to weather conditions. Peruničić points out that late frosts in February, a rainy and cool March, and an unusually cool May affected the yield of early varieties.

"Thanks to careful selection of fruit and good organization of the harvest, the best possible quality was ensured, while thanks to efficient placement and market positioning, the financial realization of peaches increased by 25 percent compared to last year. Quality remained our most important value this year, and it is what customers recognize and value," Peruničić emphasized.